Kristine Joran Frogner

Kristine Joran Frogner, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the age of 75, in St. Pete Beach, her favorite vacation spot where she escaped the cold Michigan winters.

Kris was born May 12, 1948, to Jeanne (Decker) Frogner and Herbert James Frogner in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was the oldest of five children. She is survived by her husband Stephen Marsden and very special daughter Adrienne Frogner-Howell, her brother Charles Frogner,  her brother Jim (Ellen) Frogner, sister Ann (Russ, dec.) Kelly, her brother David (Laurel) Frogner, her bonus daughter Abby (Chad) Haus, bonus son Matthew (Jodi) Marsden, her granddaughter Matilda, grandsons Quinn, Liam and Finn, nephew Herbert Frogner III, nieces Erica (Devon) Jankowski, Madeline Frogner, Kristen Frogner, Sara Jeanne Frogner, Joran Frogner (dec.), grandniece Ella Frogner, grandnephew Aiden Frogner, and her former husband Jim Howell.

Kris’s early years were spent on Lauder Street in Detroit, where she attended Burns elementary school.  The Frogner family relocated to Northville, Michigan, in 1961.  Kris graduated from Northville High School (1966) and attended Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education.

Kris was a devoted special education teacher for the Waterford School District, teaching at Township High School, Mason Junior High, Kettering High School, and the Oakland County Children’s Village Detention Center for girls.  During her 38 years of teaching experience, Kristine also earned her master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. She was an inspiration to her students and was beloved by “her girls” at Children’s Village school, refusing to give up on them no matter the struggle.  She often encountered her students after their graduation with a “Hi Ms. Frogner” and a hug.

Kris was passionate about traveling with friends and family to far reaching exotic locations having beautiful adventures.  During her travels, she experienced the sights, sounds, and food from Nicaragua, Korea, China, Spain, Greece, Poland, Turkey, Morocco, Honduras, Austria, Iceland, England, Scotland, Hawaii, and her all time favorite, Paris.  Kris loved being with her friends, enjoying laughter, good wine, and having stimulating conversations with everyone she met. As an avid gardener, Kris spent much time with her loved ones in the beautiful gardens she arranged at her home.

Kris had a unique ability to plan the most special holidays, vacations, parties and festive occasions with her signature style, flair, and elegance.  She was an incredible cook and a master at entertaining.  Her parties and gatherings were always a beautiful reflection of her own sophistication, grace, and charm.  Kris touched so many peoples’ lives with her quiet, gentle, and caring manner.  She will always be remembered as the “Lady”.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2024, what would have been her 23rd wedding anniversary.  The time and location will be forthcoming.  Memorial donations may be made to Breast Cancer Research: Susan G. Komen Foundation , 1-877-GO KOMEN, www.Komen.org. and the YMCA : http://ymcadetroit.org/give/.